Steve Ashmole-DayFeb 17
Visited 8 level crossings today. Blimey. #LevelCrossings
EditorNov 10

CCTV shows shocking misuse as Port Talbot level crossing reopens after safety upgrade

The Heol‑y‑Deliad crossing near Margam was closed in June after repeated incidents of trespass and unsafe behaviour. During the closure, CCTV and on‑site security recorded 61 incidents, including people forcing entry through fencing and carrying bicycles with children strapped in across locked gates.

Trains on the South Wales Main Line travel at speeds of up to 125mph, leaving anyone misusing the crossing with little or no time to react.

CCTV footage shows members of the public climbing over locked gates at Heol‑y‑Deliad level crossing.(Image: Network Rail)

New deterrents installed

Network Rail said the crossing has now reopened with 2.4‑metre high palisade fencing on both sides and enhanced warning signage. The measures are designed to deter climbing and prevent people carrying items over the railway.

Dean Jenkins, Level Crossing Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:

“We’ve had people ignoring safety instructions, climbing fences and even carrying bikes with children attached across a live railway. These behaviours are extremely dangerous — trains travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly.

We want to thank everyone for their patience while we’ve carried out this work, and we urge everyone to always use level crossings safely and responsibly.”

A motorbike being lifted over locked gates at Heol‑y‑Deliad crossing, despite the closure.(Image: Network Rail)

Ongoing concerns

The crossing provides access to land near the coast, where misuse has included attempts to cross using motorised or electric‑powered vehicles — which are prohibited on public footpaths.

Network Rail said it continues to work with DB Cargo UK, Tata Steel and Neath Port Talbot Council on long‑term safety and accessibility, including discussions around the public right of way to the beach.

Safety reminder

Network Rail is urging the public to:

  • Stop, look and listen before crossing
  • Only cross when sure no trains are approaching
  • Never climb, force or go around gates or barriers
  • Avoid using bikes, e‑scooters or motorised vehicles on crossings
  • Report misuse immediately to Network Rail’s 24‑hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41

#HeolYDeliad #levelCrossings #Margam #misusedLevelCrossing #NetworkRail #PortTalbot #railSafety #railwaySafety

RailpageAug 7, 2025
Van driver runs the red light and gets hit by a train http://dlvr.it/TMLgLQ #BreakingNews #Railaccident #RailNews #LevelCrossings
RailpageMay 21, 2024
Improving regional railway crossing safety https://www.vibewire.com.au/?p=49662&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon&utm_campaign=improving-regional-railway-crossing-safety #RailindustrynewsAustraliaNewZealand #LevelCrossings
Improving regional railway crossing safety - VibeWire Magazine

Image: jmimages/stock.adobe.comThe Australian Government has launched a national advertising campaign as part of its commitment to improve safety around regional railway … The post Improving regional railway crossing safety appeared first on Rail Express.

VibeWire Magazine - Transport, Politics, UFO, Paranormal, Anything
John ArnoldMay 17, 2024
_The Evening Post_, 18 May 1923:
LEVEL CROSSINGS
CURES FOR BRAVE
DANGER
WARNING SYSTEMS DISCUSSED
CARELESSNESS ON THE ROADS
…
THE LAW ON THE SUBJECT
…
Mr. A. J. Paterson… was emphatic on the responsibility of fast motor traffic for the grave danger of level crossings, and said that it was absurd that, with modern traffic conditions, the position established by such legal decisions as Mr. Holmes had referred to should be tolerated. The growth of motor traffic was shown by the registrations in Wellington; there were 50 motors registered in 1906; this year there were about 1000.
In his reply, Mr. Wyles said the English legal position had grown up at the time when the roads were being invaded by private railways, and could not apply in New Zealand, where the conditions were quite different. In this country the right of the public-owned railway to the road was clearly recognised in cases (as in Christchurch) where tramway authorities had their lines provided with trap-points, so that if a tram car approached a crossing when a train was coming towards it, the car would be derailed.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19230518.2.76
#OnThisDay #OTD #PapersPast #Railways #Roads #TrafficControl #LevelCrossings #Accidents #Law #NewZealand
Daniel BowenDec 22, 2023
I’m catching a train from Highett, and honestly I’d forgotten how it was to just miss one due to the boom gates, and the regular sound of the bells ringing as another train goes by.
Soon to be a thing of the past here too. #Melbourne #PublicTransport #LevelCrossings
Daniel BowenJul 30, 2023
Glad to hear they’ve deployed staff at the rail replacement bus stops so people don’t unwittingly wait for a bus when the trains are running again.👍 #MetroTrains #FKNLine #Melbourne #PublicTransport #LevelCrossings
Show threadDaniel BowenJul 20, 2023
I can haz trains back soon? #LevelCrossings #Melbourne #PublicTransport #MetroTrains
Daniel BowenJul 18, 2023
Blog: Some pics of the progress on grade separation at Glen Huntly - and an old vs new comparison. #GlenHuntly #PublicTransport #LevelCrossings
https://danielbowen.com/2023/07/18/glen-huntly-grade-separation-progress/
Glen Huntly grade separation progress

Glen Huntly Road has re-opened to traffic and trams following the level crossing removal, though trains are still a few weeks from resuming.I'm watching this one because it used to be my usual st

Daniel Bowen
Yorkshire BylinesMay 12, 2023

Network Rail’s plans to replace level crossings with stepped footbridges threaten to make the countryside inaccessible for millions | Lars Kramm

#NetworkRail #LevelCrossings #accessibility #York https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/transport/network-rail-the-railroad-to-countryside-inaccessibility/

Network Rail: the railroad to countryside inaccessibility?

Network Rail has plans to replace level crossings with stepped footbridges

Yorkshire Bylines